Notice: The following information provided for convenience and consideration, always follow official aerodrome and planning information. I do however only write about airfields that I have personally flown to.

Important update: Sadly Aviators Paradise (FAAP) is now permanently closed as the airstrip has been sold to a mining company: https://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=263753

So you're considering flying to Aviators Paradise (FAAP)? With a name like that, who wouldn't!? But what's there and why would you?

Aviators Paradise has the lovely Piper & Piper restaurant that is a favorite for locals and pilots alike. As a pilot based out of Rand Airport and sometimes looking for a convenient 30 minute flight for a "breakfast run", FAAP offers a well maintained runway, a great restaurant (with kiddies area and views of the runway) and friendly people. I did a trip to FAAP in June 2023.

The restaurant is open 07:00 till 20:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. You can find more info at their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pipernpiper/ and I have been on Whatsapp with the restaurant prior to my trip to verify details and if you'd like to do the same: +27 67 848 0575.

The airfield

Situated 4nm south of the town of Brits, in the North West province, and just on the outskirts of Johannesburg Special Flying Area (flight rules), FAAP has the following stats:

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kBuDHMx8htBysPFw5

ICAO Code: FAAP

AIP: I could not find an official chart or AIP on CAA website

Elevation: 3780ft

Runway: 03/21 800m (2625ft) x 10m asphalt

Radio: Aviators Traffic on 124.80MHz

Tower: Unmanaged

Facilities: Restaurant, Hangars, Flight Training, Avgas and Mogas available

Circuit / approach

Circuits are flown to the west of the airfield to stay clear of Johannesburg Special Rules, so:

Runway 03 - left circuit

Runway 21 - right circuit

Circuit altitude: Standard 1000ft AGL / 4800ft

Join procedure: Standard 2000ft AGL / 5800ft overhead, descend on the dead side (east side)

Windsock is located by the buildings at the airfield, close to 03 threshold, just to the east of the runway (about 30 meters)

Risks

Be aware of hang gliding happening close to Hartbeespoort Dam (FAD71) and often traffic route via VFR point UTRUK.

There are trees on the approach of RWY03 (50ft in height) about 200meters from the threshold.

Be aware of power lines on left base of RWY03

Risk mitigation

Always plan carefully and review NOTAMs. Airfield may be closed for drag racing or events.

Monitor JHB Rules West (125.80MHz) for traffic that may be transitioning in the area.

Extra information

FAAP is just outside Johannesburg Special Rules West. If you view JHB Special Rules (http://www.avimap.co.za/AVIMAP/pdfs/PSG_special_rules_mar16_map.pdf) you'll see FAAP in the north west of the map, close to Hartbeespoort Dam.

Sources

Avcom, an aviation forum in South Africa: https://avcom.co.za/phpBB3/search.php?keywords=faap

The Airfields Directory for Southern Africa by Aviation Direct, 6th Edition

Aeronautical Information AIP by the CAA: https://www.caa.co.za/industry-information/aeronautical-information-aip/

Aeronautical Charts by the CAA: https://www.caa.co.za/industry-information/aeronautical-information-aeronautical-charts/

NOTAMs: https://www.caa.co.za/industry-information/aeronautical-information-notam-summaries/

Flying to Aviators Paradise (FAAP)